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Hey Reader! Last week, I challenged you to create an open-ended art center with various materials and allow your students to explore. How did it go? This week, I want to give you a few tips on how YOU fit into children’s art. As we allow children to explore the various materials and mediums, you may see that children start to progress from just experimenting with everything (mix it all up to make brown every time!) to really trying to create intentionally in order to represent something. So…

Hey Reader! “Artistic expression is an alternative means of communication. For infants, toddlers, and young children, art provides a way of sharing thoughts, experiences, and emotions while gaining knowledge and skills. Encouraging artistic expression in classrooms and outdoor learning environments helps children make sense of their surroundings and who they are as individuals.” Rebecca M. Giles, PhD“A Young Writer’s World: Creating Classrooms Where Authors Abound” I can’t really say that I…

Hey Reader! Dr. Jean says “You should start every day with a smile and a song.” That’s great advice! Did you know there’s actual science behind why a smile and a song first thing makes for a better day? First…just the act of smiling actually releases endorphins in your brain! A smile tells your brain that you are safe and happy. Show some teeth! There’s actually some truth to “fake it till you make it” when it comes to smiling. Sometimes the smile has to start on your face before it reaches…

Hey Reader! When was the last time you walked into a new social environment by yourself without knowing anyone? How did it feel? If it’s been a while, I’d encourage you to try it soon – go to a new exercise class, go to a new Bible study, or attend some other social event by yourself. Many of us would notice a little bit of anxiety in ourselves! So many of our students are experiencing a similar separation anxiety in our classrooms right now. They just aren’t so sure that you’re going to do a…

Hey Reader! How’s it going so far? The first part of the new school year can be filled with a few challenges! Last week we released a great conversation on our podcast with Diane Goyette about helping children “Foster Self-Regulation”. If you haven’t had a chance to listen…do yourself a favor and go listen now. HERE is the link. There was SO MUCH good information on helping upset children get back to a place of learning. Then…I wrote a short post on 2 of the 4 C’s in Diane’s framework –…

Hey Reader! As many of us start back to school, I thought I’d take just a moment and share a few tips on helping children acclimate to a new school year! It can be a really difficult transition for some of these littles who are missing their mommies and wondering what they will encounter in your classroom! In a recent podcast conversation, I talked with Diane Goyette about her 4Cs Framework for helping children when they are upset. I’m going to share a couple of tips for the first 2 Cs –…

Hey Reader! This is the season of cleaning and prepping and organizing and getting so excited about new students and families (and new crayola crayons and Elmer’s glue sticks)! You’re attending in-service meetings, and professional development events, and doing some online training to ensure you are as equipped as possible to begin this journey! As you are busy making sure everything in your classroom is just perfect and you’re checking all the boxes for paperwork and training, can I…

Hey Reader! Have you ever heard the phrase “the environment as the 3rd teacher?” This is a common phrase in the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood learning. I think we would all agree that our environment makes a difference in how we feel, how we behave, and how we interact with others. Imagine walking into a traditional cathedral-style sanctuary with stained glass windows, a pipe organ, and a giant pulpit. How would you feel? Maybe a feeling of reverence, or respect; maybe awe-struck…

Hey Reader! One of my personal growth goals for 2024 is to get better at gardening – typically, when I plant flowers in my flower bed, they are dead in two weeks. But…this is the year where that will change – I hope! What I’ve learned so far is that there are several really important factors in successfully growing something! You have to have the right sunlight, the right soil, the right amount of water, and even have to worry about rabbits, aphids, and fungus! As I’ve been working on my…

Hey Reader! In a recent conversation with Prerna Richards, she said “Joy is the emotion of learning.” I had to think about that for a moment, but she’s right! When our brain is signaling JOY, we are able to learn because we are not stuck in our survival brains. Our episode is filled with lots of great ideas for increasing joy and decreasing stress in the classroom. If you haven’t had a chance, you can listen HERE! I’m going to focus on just one of those things today and give you a few ideas…